Hoax bomb 'targeted city's Jews'

A controlled explosion has been carried out on a hoax device which police say was designed to cause alarm to the Jewish community.

Bomb disposal teams were called in after the device was discovered in a street in Salford, Greater Manchester, at about 2330 BST on Thursday.

The package had been placed at the corner of Northumberland Street and Cheltenham Crescent, Higher Broughton.

A man was later arrested on suspicion of making hoax telephone calls.

I find it difficult to believe that anyone would do something so irresponsible Supt Paul Brookes, Salford police

Greater Manchester Police said that although the device turned out not to be real, it was designed to look genuine.

Officers also said it was left there as a means of causing alarm to the Jewish community in the area.

Supt Paul Brookes, of Salford police, said: "I am pleased to say that no-one had to be evacuated and that the incident was all over [after three hours].

"The matter was dealt with in a very swift and professional manner without creating panic and fear within the local community.

Tip-off

"However, despite this I still find it difficult to believe that anyone would do something so irresponsible given the current situation that we are in and I am asking for anyone who may know anything about this package to please get in touch with us.

"I would especially like to thank the Community Security Trust who work with the Jewish community and were of great assistance."

It is understood the arrested man was detained after police received a tip-off about the planting of the device.

He was due to be questioned at Salford police station later on Friday.